What Seattle coach Pete Carroll had to say about the Falcons

Q. Coming off your Super Bowl lost, what were some of the valleys and mountains that you had to go through?

A. There are enormous challenges because there is so much hype about it. Whether if you win or if you lose it, it's a big challenge. Either way, it takes its toll and you have to deal with it. I think Dan (Quinn) did a great job coming out of the chutes and getting back to business. He's to be commended for it. We just found it to be most challenging. It's the most challenging spot you can be in in sports probably, coming off the (Super Bowl) season. It's a good accomplishment.

Q. Any update on your running situation?

A. You'll see (after) the weekend. We are just going to push together and throw a great plan at the Falcons.

Q. Any updates on local kids Chris Carson (Parkview High) and Mike Davis (Stephenson High)?

A. Mike Davis is coming up. He's done a great job with us. He's had a nice start last year at the Niners. We had a chance to see him. It's good to give him an opportunity. He's been battling all year. He's done a good job to earn that. Chris Carson really got off to a fantastic start with us. We are hoping that somewhere near the end of the season that he'll come back to us as he recovers from his injury. I fell in love with the guy watching him in the offseason and going into the draft. I was thrilled to get him. He did a great job getting started. When he comes back, he'll be a factor for us.

Q. What do you see when you look at Tevin Coleman on film?

A. An explosive football player. I thought he looked great last year. Of course, we watched everything from last year. We watched him play with great speed. Big play ability. A good catcher and route runner as well. He can do everything. I think the one-two punch they've had with Devonta (Freeman) has been dynamic. If he's going to get most of the load, he's an explosive football player. We've taken a great look at him already and we're going to treat him with great respect.

Q. What was it like watching Adrian Clayborn on film?

A. I felt that he took advantage of his opportunities. He did a great job and he was really ... it was just a dynamic performance. So, rarely do you see a guy have that kind of success. It didn't bother him at all. He just kept coming and kept bringing it. A big factor and obviously we are real concerned about it.

Q. What's your relationship with Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian been like over the years?

A. I go way back with Sark. (In my) first year he was a graduate assistant with us at SC. I watched him grow through all of his success and accomplishments. I've always cared for him as a friend and a great guy to be around, coach with and compete with. When he had his opportunities to come out I've been very supportive of Sark. Not just in coaching, but in his personal (life). ... I think the world of him and I'm really fired up that he got a chance in Dan's situation, too, which is a great organization to be with and a good team and all that. He's done nothing but successful stuff when he gets an opportunity. He's righted some issues that he's taken at hand, so I'm really proud of him. It will be fun to compete against him.

Q. Where you thinking about bringing him to Seattle?

A. There is always that. There was always an opportunity. He was right here coaching the Huskies. We were close throughout that time.

Q. Knowing him so well, does that give you an advantage?

A. I don't know about that. We'll see. We are going to try to use everything that we can to put together a great game. He's grown a lot over the years and they've got a great system and they've got great players. We'll see. It will be a fun competition.

Q. Could you discuss the job coach Tom Cable has had to do with the offensive line this year? 

A. Yeah, he's had to put together a new group and he's had some injuries he had to deal with as well. It's just been an ongoing battle and he's been a fantastic coach. We are lucky to have him.

Q. How difficult is the loss of Richard Sherman?

A. He's an extraordinary player. There is nobody who is going to play like him. He's a unique football player. A great part of our program for years. We are going to miss the heck out of him. Fortunately, we have starters available to us to go up and step in. Jeremy Lane and Shaq Griffin have been starting during this season. So, we are fortunate to have (those) kind of guys answer it. We expect our guys to jump up and take full advantage of the opportunity.

Q. How is linebacker Bobby Wagner playing for you this year?

A. He's had some incredible seasons. He just continues to get better and more productive. I think he led the NFL in tackles last year. I don't know where he is statistically now, but he's way out there again. Highly productive. Very consistent ball player.